Veterans Get City Hall Parking Spot

MELROSE, MA — Veterans have a new prime parking spot next to City Hall.

The parking spot, reserved for veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, is next to the side entrance at City Hall across from the post office. It's been a long time coming, passed by the previous City Council, and unveiled Monday, which was recognized as Vietnam Veterans Day.

“It was an honor to work with the Melrose Veterans Advisory Board in making this dedicated parking spot a reality," City Councilor Shawn MacMaster, who co-sponsored the order with then-Council President Scott Forbes, said. "Whether coming to City Hall to meet with our Veterans Services Officer or for any other reason, this measure affirmatively acknowledges the service and sacrifice of military Veterans by offering them convenient access to City government."

The city worked with Lt. Col. Karen Burke, the city's veterans service officer, on the location and design.

Mayor Paul Brodeur, Rep. Kate Lipper-Garabedian (who voted for the sign as a member of the Council) and Councilor John Tramontozzi were among others in attendance.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.